GATA-1 is a central transcription-activator of erythroid differentiation. In the present work we have studied the kinetics of its expression and activity during development of normal human erythroid progenitors, grown in primary cultures. In response to the addition of erythropoietin (Epo), the cells undergo proliferation and differentiation in a synchronized fashion. This recently developed experimental system allows biochemical dissection of erythroid differentiation in a physiological meaningful environment. No DNA-binding activity of GATA-1 could be detected before the addition of Epo, although a very low level of mRNA was observed. Following Epo addition there was a sharp parallel rise in both mRNA and DNA-binding activity, consistent with positive autoregulation of the GATA-1 gene. After reaching a peak on day 7-9, both mRNA and protein activity decreased. The binding activity of the ubiquitous factor SP1 showed a biphasic pattern; its second peak usually coincided with the GATA-1 peak, suggesting that SP1 also plays a specific role in erythroid maturation. The highest activity of GATA-1 per erythroid cell was found on day 6-8, immediately preceding the major rise in globin gene mRNA and in the number of hemoglobinized cells. The results imply that a high level of GATA-1 activity is necessary for globin gene expression and erythroid maturation, suggesting that a requirement for a threshold concentration of GATA-1 is part of the mechanism that determines the final steps of erythroid maturation.